Sertifikatnummer

Sertifikatnummer is a unique identifier assigned to a certificate by the issuing authority. The term is used for both physical documents and digital certificates and serves as a reference that can be used to verify authenticity, retrieve related records, and manage the certificate over its lifecycle.

The kinds of certificates that carry a sertifikatnummer vary widely. They can be civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates, academic diplomas, professional licenses, and official permits. They also cover product or quality certificates, environmental or safety attestations, and other formal attestations. In printed certificates, the number is typically printed in a designated area and is used to locate the certificate in official registries or archives.

In digital contexts, a sertifikatnummer often corresponds to the serial number of a digital certificate. For SSL/TLS or code-signing certificates, the serial number is assigned by the certificate authority (CA) and appears in the certificate metadata. This number, together with the issuer, uniquely identifies the certificate within the CA’s system and is used in revocation checks (via CRLs or OCSP) and in records or logs kept by relying parties.

Format and conventions for sertifikatnummer vary by issuing authority. They may be numeric or alphanumeric, and may include components such as issuer codes, year, or sequence numbers. Regardless of format, the core purpose is to provide a stable, verifiable reference that supports authentication, traceability, and administration of the certificate throughout its existence.